Improvement in envelope-machines



No. 118,525. Patented A ug. 29, 1871,

[mf] 2 maw-sm 2.

' 118,525, j Patented ug. 29K, 1,871.

' J. C. GAS-TON.

UNITED STATES JFREMIAH O. GASTON, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN ENVELOPEMI\CHINES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 118,525, dated August 29, 1871.

To all whomvfit may concern:

Be it known that I, JEREMLAH C. GAsToN, of

Cincinnati, Ohio, have invented a new and useblanks, and tightly pressed While the flaps are gummed and the paper broken for the folds.

In the drawing, Figure l is a side view of my machine. Fig. 2 is a top view of the same. Fig. 3 is a transverse section, and Fig. 4 a top view with the envelopes in place.

In constructing my machine any suitable box, A, may be made for holding the loose adjustable blocks B. In one end of this box is a follower, C, Which may have projecting guides sliding in grooves in the sides of the box, as indicated in dotted lines at D, Fig. l. This follower is moved by means of a cam, E, turning on the axis e, Figs. 1 and 2.

In using my machine the cam end of the box should be elevated so that the blocks B Willreadily slide into place, one close to another, and also close upon the bottom of the box. The blanks for the envelope being cut in the usual way, the machine is charged by putting in alternately a block and then a blank envelope. One hundred or more blocks and blanks may be inserted at the saine time, the front and back of the envelope being embraced by the blocks, While the side and end flaps project, as seen in Fig. 3, which is a transverse section of the machine when charged and before the iiaps are bent down for gumming. By means of the cam the charge of envelopes and blocks is pressed closely together and then the flaps of the envelope are bent down against the blocks, as seen at Gr and H, Fig. 4. This foldingdown ofthe iiaps may be done by a folder or roller swept across in one direction. Now

the iiaps are gummed by means of a brush, colored gum being used, if desired. After the gum is dry the flaps may require gently separating, and they should be bent back in the opposite direction in order to complete the fold in the paper Without breaking the same.

On removing the envelopes from the machine they may be packed without folding and thus put in the market. If desirable, they may be removed from the machine While the gum is Wet and the end iiaps sealed in the usual Way.

It may be found more convenient to remove one side of box A, except that portion opposite the follower, in order to more easily slip the blocks and envelopes into place in the box. In this case the box should be tipped to one side while being filled, the open side being' uppermost, so that the weight of the blocks and of the envelope-blanks will tend to carry both into position andhold them until they are pressed and securely fixed by the cam.

My machines are very simple and cheaply made,

and a large number of them may be employed in the same room, some being filled while others are drying'.

In order to prevent gumming the machine by the accidental sweeping of the brush beyond the flaps the upper corners of the blocks may be scalloped out, as seen at I, Figs. 1 and 2, and the sides ofthe blocks may also be scalloped or notched for the same purpose, as seen at L, Fig. 1.

My machine may also be used for making paper-bags.

In this application I make no cla-im to the envelope or blank, as I have filed a separate application for a separate patent for such envelope or blank.

In applying the gum to the iiaps it may be found most convenient to hold them down by a strip of sheet metal set ed gewise upon the middle of the iiaps, so that the brush may sweep 011 each side. Instead of the piece of sheet metal it may be found more convenient to use a set of bent wires, which may be dragged before the brush for holding down the iiaps as the gum is applied. Instead of the cam and lever a screw, wedge, or other device may be used for holding the blocks in place-in the box.

-Having thus described my invention, I claim- The series of blocks B, in combination with the l clamping-box-A, substantially asl'set forth.

JEREMIAH O. GASTON.

Witnesses:

Emir. F. BROWN, DANIEL BREED. 

